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High school filmmakers from Missouri and Kansas are asked to produce a 20 minute or less doc that tells the story of their hometown – the people, the places, the history – find the story and tell it with a short film. The best submission will receive a $2,500 grand prize.

Filmmakers are encouraged to be not only informative but also creative. The use of comedy, animation, music videos, talking head interviews, etc.are all encouraged but not required.

The top 20 -30 submissions will be screened at the festival and recognized with an award. Filmmakers will be asked to attend for panel discussions before and after the screenings. In addition, workshops for young filmmakers will be available throughout the event along with panel discussions by professional film makers and educators.

What does independence mean to you? (not the City of Independence but the idea of independence as in being independent) If you can answer that question in a three minute or less video we’d like to see it. The Celebrate Independence Film Project is part of the recently announced Independence Film, Art & Music Fest. The best submissions will be screened at the inaugural IFAM Fest August 8 - 11, 2013.

Any and all cinematic forms will be accepted whether it is a standard talking head format, music video, comedy, animation – whatever the filmmaker chooses. We’re looking for a little bit of everything and encourage your unique ideas. The best entry will receive a $1,000 grand prize and will be screened at the festival.

MISSION & OBJECTIVE

The Independence Film, Art & Music Fest is a celebration and tribute to the Arts centered around the Art of Filmmaking taking place in Independence, MO annually starting in 2013.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The Independence Film, Art & Music Fest is a new celebration taking place throughout the Independence Square and Englewood Arts District August 8 - 1, 2013. Attendees can expect a wide range of activities such as film screenings and workshops, art displays and demonstrations, and musical performances.

A variety of independently produced local, regional and international films will be screened at the Pharaoh Theater and the Copeland Auditorium on the campus of Graceland University.

The Celebrate Independence Film Project is a unique and exciting part of this new Film Festival. Filmmakers from around the country are asked to submit a three minute or less video on the subject of Independence – what does it mean to you. (NOTE: not the city of Independence but rather the idea of independence.)

Filmmakers of all types are asked to participate – young, old, professional, amateur – everyone is encouraged to join in on the fun. The best of the submitted works will be screened throughout thel festival, the top selection will receive a $1,000 grand prize.

Art will be on display throughout the event at various locations including the Englewood Arts District where the work of over 30 artists can already be seen on a regular basis. Musical performances will occur throughout the event at various times and locations as well with a main stage located near the historic courthouse on the Square..

In addition, a wonderful variety of shopping, dining and historical sites are available so visitors will have plenty to do as they await the screening of their next must-see film.

ORGANIZERS

GENERAL RULES

* If your film is selected for the Film Festival, you must provide a high-quality DVD.
* Do not send original material.
* The Independence Film, Art & Music Festival is open to the general public.
* Submission of film represents agreement to the policies set forth.

Selection of Winners and Prizes
Our Hometown High School Film Festival: All entrees will be screened by qualified individuals only and will be judged by college level educators or those with equivalent background and experience. Prizes will be awarded during the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the film festival.

Celebrate Independence Project: All entries will be screened by qualified individuals only. A panel of qualified indiviuals will select the top films to be screened at the festival. No awards will be given for this category.

All other films to be screened at the festival will be curated. Documentary and narative films about politics, western heritage, pioneers of any discipline, musicals and animation are given top consideration.

Rights
The Independence Film, Art & Music Festival will not be held responsible if copyrighted materials or unauthorized materials are included in the film. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to secure proper permission from the copyright holder of music, stock footage, or any other material which could violate another entity’s copyright or exclusive use of the material.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

* If your film is selected for the Film Festival, you must provide a high-quality DVD.
* Do not send original material.
* The Independence Film, Art & Music Festival is open to the general public.
* Submission of film represents agreement to the policies set forth.
Selection of Winners and Prizes
Our Hometown High School Film Festival: All entrees will be screened by qualified individuals only and will be judged by college level educators or those with equivalent background and experience. Prizes will be awarded during the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the film festival.
Celebrate Independence Project: All entries will be screened by qualified individuals only. A panel of qualified indiviuals will select the top films to be screened at the festival. No awards will be given for this category.
All other films to be screened at the festival will be curated. Documentary and narative films about politics, western heritage, pioneers of any discipline, musicals and animation are given top consideration.
Rights
The Independence Film, Art & Music Festival will not be held responsible if copyrighted materials or unauthorized materials are included in the film. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to secure proper permission from the copyright holder of music, stock footage, or any other material which could violate another entity’s copyright or exclusive use of the material.